Some critics have labelled flying the Aboriginal flag on top of ANZAC Hill an act of symbolism, but that claim was rejected by Ms Satour, who is Arrernte and from Alice Springs.

"It's a very meaningful step towards reconciliation because today is the first day that the community is going to lead conversations about how we are going to address complex issues … youth on the streets, issues around alcohol and family and domestic violence," she said.

Mr Shaw said today was an important moment to reflect on the past, and to move forward with a more unified country.

"Every year we make people Australians who come from overseas, so now we have to bring forward the treaty and an inclusion within the constitution [of Indigenous people] and then we really will be a multicultural society in Australia," he said.

The flag will be raised on top of ANZAC Hill for the remainder of NAIDOC Week.

'These deaths have not been in vain'

Celebrations started off strong in the Top End, with a flag raising ceremony at Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation in Darwin.

A small crowd gathered for the ceremony, with the Chief Minister and Indigenous leaders paying their respects to Indigenous women in the Territory.